Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House Budget Committee has proposed a massive $230 billion funding cut over the next decade, a move that could drastically reshape the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The proposal, introduced as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution, has already sparked heated debate on Capitol Hill, with strong reactions from both supporters and critics.
What’s in the Plan?
The newly unveiled budget plan calls for deep reductions in programs overseen by the House Agriculture Committee, with SNAP—the program that provides food assistance to over 42 million low-income Americans—expected to bear the brunt of these cuts. At the same time, the proposal increases military spending by $100 billion and adds $90 billion for border security.
The plan also aims to cut tax revenue by $4.5 trillion over the next decade, alongside a $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling. These sweeping changes are part of a broader effort by House Republicans to reduce government spending while prioritizing national security.
What Does This Mean for SNAP Recipients?
If the proposal moves forward, all SNAP recipients would see a reduction in their monthly benefits. Experts estimate that the average benefit would drop from $6.20 per person per day to just $4.80—making it harder for millions of families to afford groceries.
The cuts stem from an effort to roll back the 2021 Thrifty Food Plan reevaluation, which had temporarily boosted SNAP benefits. By reversing this, lawmakers aim to achieve the proposed savings, but critics argue that the move will disproportionately hurt vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Strong Opposition from Democrats
Democratic lawmakers, including House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN), have slammed the proposal, warning that it would have severe consequences beyond just SNAP recipients.
“Taking $230 billion out of the food economy doesn’t just hurt families—it affects everyone. It impacts the farmers who grow our food, the truckers who transport it, and the grocery stores that sell it,” Craig said in a statement.
She also warned that such drastic cuts could jeopardize the bipartisan farm bill, making future negotiations on agricultural funding even more difficult.
Republican Justification & Internal Divide
House Republicans argue that these cuts are necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility, especially as federal debt continues to rise. However, some GOP members in competitive districts have expressed concerns about the political fallout from cutting food assistance programs.
“There’s a real risk here,” said one Republican lawmaker who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “While we need to rein in spending, slashing safety net programs this aggressively could backfire in the next election.”
What’s Next?
The budget resolution will now move to the House Budget Committee for further debate and potential revisions. If approved, it will set the stage for an intense showdown in Congress, as both parties clash over the future of SNAP and other federal programs.
For millions of Americans relying on SNAP, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If this proposal becomes law, many could soon face even tougher choices at the grocery store.
